Influenza cases, hospitalizations spike in Montana

Influenza circumstances in Montana hit a pointy rise initially of December, with practically 1,000 new circumstances and greater than 50 new hospitalizations reported statewide final week.

Based on the Montana Division of Well being and Human Providers weekly influenza report, circumstances and hospitalizations have quickly elevated in latest weeks and are far forward of historic averages for this time of 12 months.

Season up to now, the division has reported 2,708 complete flu circumstances, 120 hospitalizations and two deaths related to flu.

Flathead County reported 73 new circumstances through the week ending Dec. 3.

Logan Well being Medical Middle officers advised the Inter Lake on Dec. 9 that 11 folks have been hospitalized with the flu.

“We’ve seen admissions proceed to extend day by day for flu and RSV,” hospital officers mentioned in an announcement. “Generally in our outpatient settings, we’re seeing a variety of positives … for flu, RSV and Covid-19, as properly.”

State knowledge exhibits the present flu season in Montana beginning far prematurely of latest seasons, with the primary circumstances cropping up in mid-October. Over the past 5 seasons, the primary circumstances weren’t reported till early December.

A lot of the present flu hospitalizations within the state are sufferers over 65 years outdated. Fewer than 10 of the hospitalizations are sufferers beneath 18.

Each of the reported flu-related deaths have been in people over 65.

Gallatin County has seen the worst flu outbreak within the state, with 830 circumstances reported to date this season. Yellowstone County has reported 598 complete circumstances.

Influenza A is the dominant influenza sort circulating in Montana, in accordance with the Montana Division of Well being and Human Providers. The flu vaccine is accessible by appointment on the Flathead County Well being Division. Folks ought to name 406-751-8110 to schedule a time.

Alongside the rise in flu circumstances, state knowledge exhibits Covid is circulating as properly. Flathead County reported 47 energetic Covid circumstances as of Dec. 9, and Logan Well being officers reported 4 Covid-19 hospitalizations.

Yellowstone County reported the best degree of latest Covid circumstances, with 346 energetic circumstances on Dec. 9. Cascade County had 237 energetic circumstances.

Montana Division of Well being and Human Providers additionally warned that circulation of RSV is growing in Montana, with a positivity charge close to 16% final week.